Leicester promote Sadler as Appleton leaves

Sadler (left) worked closely with Puel on the training pitch last season

Written by Simon Austin — June 30, 2018

LEICESTER CITY have promoted tactical analyst Adam Sadler to first-team coach as part of a restructure that has seen assistant Michael Appleton leave the club.

Sadler has been in his analyst's role since August 2014, but became increasingly involved on the training pitch with manager Claude Puel last season. The 38-year-old is a highly qualified coach, holding the Uefa Pro Licence and having had coaching jobs with Manchester City Under-18s, Ukraine’s SC Tavriya and Plymouth Argyle.

His promotion is testament to the increasing influence that tactical analysts are having in the game, although his coaching pedigree does show that football knowledge and experience remain crucial.

Appleton, who was brought to the club by previous manager Craig Shakespeare and had two games in charge (and two wins) during a short spell as caretaker manager last season, reached an agreement to depart with immediate effect.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Michael Appleton for everything he has done to help me during his time with the club,” Puel said.

“He’s a good man, a strong character and an excellent coach with the leadership qualities to continue building a successful career. We all wish him well in his future career.”

Appleton has been replaced as assistant by Jacques Bonnevay, a Frenchman with almost 20 years’ experience as a coach.

Bonnevay led Troyes to the Uefa Cup in 2001 after beating Newcastle in the final of the Intertoto Cup and has also had coaching stints in Morocco, Turkey, the UAE and, most recently, with the Japan national team.

Puel added: “As we prepare to welcome the players back for the start of pre-season, I’m delighted to have a strong team of experienced, skilled and dedicated staff working to prepare the squad for the season ahead.

“Between our coaching, sports medicine, sports science and operational staff, we have a very good mix of characters and experience that will give great support to our players throughout the season.”

WHEREVER Roberto Martinez has been as a manager, he's had Richard Evans by his side. The Welshman tells us about a journey that has taken in promotions, an FA Cup final and the latter stages of a World Cup.